With the launch of the iPhone 5 approaching, recent reports indicate that telecommunication giant AT&T has implemented an "all-hands-on-deck policy" for workers in anticipation of the smartphone's release. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5 and other new iOS devices at a press conference in San Francisco on Sept. 12. 

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According to Boy Genius Report, the carrier has eliminated all employee holidays until mid-October. BGR says that a reliable AT&T source revealed that the carrier intends to launch the next-gen iPhone during the third or fourth week of September. If the leak is accurate, the AT&T move would substantiate the pervasive Sept. 12 launch rumors.

Moreover, another AT&T source apparently confirmed to BGR that "a large training event for regional employees has been rescheduled from the first week of October due to a conflict with a 'huge announcement.' " Tech gurus suggest that the "huge announcement" could well be a reference to the Apple launch. 

Another report which recently surfaced courtesy of iMore, suggests that consumers will be able to pre-order the iPhone 5 on the Sept. 12 launch date in the U.S. Trusted sources that have "provided iMore with accurate iPhone related launch dates in the past" are responsible for revealing the pre-order titbit to the site.

"We've since learned that iPhone 5 pre-orders are currently planned to begin that same day, at least in the U.S. Release is still planned for 9 days later, on September 21, 2012. We've also learned that the second wave of iPhone launches, the ones in international markets, will begin in the first week of October, likely October 5," stated the report.

If the rumors and leaks hold a grain of truth, Apple could be employing a smart strategy to capitalize on consumer excitement.

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